Course Number: JOUR-002.64Z Course Title: Mass Communication and Its Impact on Society Call Number: #01140 This course qualifies for the De Anza A.A./A.S. degree in area D, the General Education requirement for CSU in area D7, and the General Education requirement for UC/CSU (IGETC) in area 4G

NOTE: Completing this orientation DOES NOT enroll you in the course; you must also apply and register for the class through De Anza admissions.
If you are not enrolled and want to add the class, then email the instructor with your name and student ID by the second day of the quarter requesting an add code. (Please put "add code" in the subject line.) Add codes will only be issued the first week of class, and only as long as there is room in the class. The add code will allow you to add the class online or at the Admissions and Records counter on campus. It may take up to two working days after you register and pay fees for your account to be created enabling you to sign into the class.

HELLO!

"All of us who professionally use the mass media are the shapers of society. We can vulgarize that society. We can brutalize it. Or we can lift it onto a higher level."

William Bernbach(American Advertising executive, 1911-1982)

This course explores the changing and dynamic world of mass communication, what makes it central to our human existence, and the importance of media literacy. We'll look at digital (online) media, print media (books, newspapers, magazines), audio media (music recordings, radio) and visual media (movies, television). We'll look at issues such as information overload, distributing digital content and the exploding roles of social media. We'll look at perspectives in the fields of journalism, entertainment, PR and advertising. We'll study media theory, ethics, research, law and the interplay between media and politics. We'll ask a lot of questions and look at different sides of difficult issues.

Who decides what's news? Is reality TV a reflection of society or is society mimicking TV? Is that explicit photo of the presidential candidate real or Photoshopped? Is peer-to-peer downloading stealing? Should libraries filter computer content to prevent kids from accessing pornography? Which politicians and celebrities need better PR? How do the media influence our thinking? Are we controlled by those who control the media? The associated questions are endless.

In this class, we will continue our evolution from being mere recipients of media messages to using the media as intelligent and discerning consumers. This may be one of the most relevant undergraduate courses you will take, as the media impact your life daily -- every time you listen to your iPod, change TV channels, glance at a magazine, or hang out on Facebook. This course deals with aspects and issues relevant to your life: current and future. Welcome!

Pros and cons of distance learning

This class is taught completely online; there are no on campus meetings. Students who do the best in online courses can read at college-level and are diligent about following directions and meeting deadlines.

For positives, prior Mass Comm online students have said:

"Not having to drive and face rush hour traffic or parking problems to go to school is great."

"I like being able to study in pajamas and at my own time and convenience (so class can be at 2 a.m. if I want). You can also study and catch up irrespective of where you are, if that place has a computer and Internet."

"It is ideal if you are working two jobs or have family responsibility and a crazy schedule."

"Being able to work at a pace you set yourself, as long as you can stick to the due dates. And you do not have to deal with groups!"

"Being able to spend more time on concepts that intrigue or challenge you and less on uninteresting or easy topics. Less wasted class time."

"No boring lectures from the professor and trying to stay awake during them."

Students also had complaints about this class methodology:

"Distance learning seems harder since we were responsible for our own education with no professor to remind us (in person) of due dates, readings or clarify things in greater detail."

"Procrastination is a real problem. You can easily get behind with you work and assignments if you do not schedule your time and discipline yourself. This often happens, so be wary!"

"Distance learning is not a great way to take a class if you dislike reading or if your reading comprehension is not at a sufficient level. You will have to read the book!"

(NOTE: To do well in this class, I advise that you are able to read and write at the EWRT1A level.)

"I miss the social interaction and discussion that occurs in the classroom."

"You must have a convenient and reliable access to a computer and the Internet at all times, or you lose."

Hours of Study

Be prepared to spend a minimum of 12 hours per week using and studying the course materials.

How to get started in your course

Make sure that you have regular (at least twice a week) access to a computer with Internet access and your own email address.

After finishing this orientation, fill out the short form at the end.

Read the online syllabus and other class information on Professor Grobman's website at http://faculty.deanza.edu/grobmanbeth/ to find out course details including the required textbook and grading standard.

Purchase or rent the textbook (there's more info on the professor's website).

The actual course website (our virtual classroom) will open on the first day of the quarter, and you will be notified by email how to log on to it. It will contain assignment details, a calendar with due dates, an area for class discussions, access to quizzes, a private gradebook and other helpful resources. However, if you want to get an early start on the course before the first day of class, you can start reading and studying the required textbook from the beginning. We will be reading it from front to back.